Trenchless Sewer Repair vs Digging in Pittsburgh: Which Is Better?

Trenchless Sewer Repair vs Digging in Pittsburgh: Which Is Better?

If you own a home in Pittsburgh and you’ve been told you need sewer line repair, you’re probably asking one simple question:

“Do I really have to dig up my yard… or is there another way?”

The good news?

In many cases, there is another way.

The honest answer?

Not always.

In this guide, we’ll break down trenchless sewer repair vs traditional digging specifically for Pittsburgh homes, so you can make the right decision — not the most convenient one for a contractor.

Let’s Start With the Real Questions We Get Asked About Sewer Repairs in Pittsburgh

“What’s the difference — and why does everyone recommend something different?”

You’ll usually hear about two options:

• Trenchless sewer repair (sewer lining)

• Traditional sewer replacement (digging)

Both can be excellent solutions.Both can also be the wrong solution if used in the wrong situation.

Let’s break them down in plain English.

What Is Trenchless Sewer Repair? (And Why Pittsburgh Homeowners Love It)

Trenchless sewer repair, often called sewer lining, allows us to repair your sewer pipe from the inside — without digging up your yard, driveway, sidewalk, or brick street.

Why it’s so popular in Pittsburgh:

• No torn-up brick streets

• No destroyed tight city lots

• No ripping through finished basements

• Minimal disruption to landscaping in tree-lined neighborhoods like Fox Chapel, Mt. Lebanon, and Ross

How it works (simplified):

1. We run a sewer camera inspection

2. Create Acess

3. Clean the pipe thoroughly

4. Cure it into a new pipe inside the old one

You’re left with a jointless, sealed pipe inside your existing sewer.

Why Trenchless Sounds “Too Good to Be True” (And Sometimes Is)

Here’s where we slow down and get honest.

Trenchless is incredible — when it’s appropriate.

But it is not magic, and it is not the right solution for every sewer problem.

And if a company tells you it is?That’s a red flag.

When Trenchless Sewer Repair Works Best

(This is where it shines)

Trenchless sewer lining is an excellent option when:

• The pipe is structurally intact

• Damage is:

  • Cracks

  • Root intrusion

  • Corrosion

  • Minor offsets

Cracked Cast Iron Sewer Pipe

• The pipe hasn’t fully collapsed

• The sewer has a consistent slope

Pittsburgh-specific examples:

• Old cast iron that’s rotting from the inside

• Clay pipe with root intrusion

• Pipes under finished basements you don’t want torn up

• Sewers under sidewalks or city streets

👉 In these cases, trenchless can be faster, cleaner, and often more cost-effective long-term.

When Trenchless Sewer Repair Does NOT Work

(This matters more than you think)

There are times when trenchless simply won’t last — or won’t work at all.

Trenchless is NOT a good option when:

• The sewer line has collapsed

• The pipe is severely misaligned

• There’s a major belly (low spot holding water)

• The pipe is crushed or missing sections

• The sewer has improper slope from the start

Trying to line a pipe like this is like:

“Putting a brand-new sleeve inside a broken arm that was never set.”

It may look fine on day one…but it will fail.

Traditional Sewer Digging: The Option Nobody Wants (But Sometimes Needs)

Let’s talk about the option everyone hopes to avoid.

Digging is unavoidable when the pipe’s structure is compromised beyond repair.

When digging is the right call:

Collapsed Sewer Line

• Full collapses

• Severe bellies

• Major alignment issues

• Old pipes that were installed incorrectly decades ago

In these cases, digging allows us to:

• Correct slope

• Replace failed sections

• Ensure long-term reliability

Is it disruptive?

Yes.

Is it sometimes the only permanent fix?

Also yes.

“Which One Lasts Longer?” (The Longevity Question Everyone Asks)

This is one of the most important questions — and one of the most misunderstood.

Trenchless Sewer Lining:

• Typical lifespan: 50+ years

• Jointless (roots have nothing to grow into)

• Resistant to corrosion

• Minimal maintenance

Traditional Sewer Replacement:

• New PVC or cast iron can also last 50+ years

• Depends heavily on:

  • Installation quality

  • Soil conditions

  • Slope accuracy

👉 Both options can last decades when done correctly.

The key isn’t which method — it’s whether the method fits the problem.

Pittsburgh’s Permit & Inspection Reality (What Most Companies Don’t Explain)

Here’s something homeowners are rarely told upfront.

In Pittsburgh:

• Sewer work often requires permits

• Inspections are common

• Street cuts may require:

  • Bonds

  • Restoration

  • Traffic control

Why trenchless often simplifies things:

• Less disturbance to public infrastructure

• Fewer restoration requirements

• Faster approvals in many municipalities

Brick Streets, Tight Lots, and Old Homes: Why Pittsburgh Is Unique

Pittsburgh isn’t a “cookie-cutter” city.

We deal with:

• 100+ year-old homes

• Narrow alleys

• Shared laterals

• Historic brick streets

• Mature tree systems

This is exactly why blanket recommendations don’t work here.

Every sewer needs to be evaluated individually — with a camera — before recommending a solution.

So… Which Is Better for Your Pittsburgh Home?

Here’s the honest answer:

The best solution is the one that fixes the problem permanently — without unnecessary destruction.

Sometimes that’s trenchless.Sometimes it’s digging.Sometimes it’s a combination of both.

The only way to know is with a professional sewer camera inspection, followed by a clear explanation of:

• What we see

• What your options are

• What we would do if it were our home

Why We Don’t Push One Option Over the Other

At Revelation Plumbing, we don’t sell methods.

We solve problems.

That means:

• If trenchless makes sense, we’ll explain why

• If digging is unavoidable, we’ll show you exactly why

• If a repair doesn’t need to be done yet, we’ll tell you that too

Because trust matters more than a quick sale.

The Next Step (Before You Decide Anything)

If you’re dealing with:

• Repeated backups

• Slow drains

• Sewage smells

• Old cast iron or clay pipes

• A scary recommendation with no explanation

Start with the one thing that gives real answers:

👉 A Sewer Camera Inspection

No guessing.

No pressure.

Just clear information — so you can make the right call for your home.

Call us today.